Every
time I hear news about the fact one of my favorite singers is present on a new
album I can’t wait to hear the release, longing for the CD for months. The new
Seventh Reign was heading my way and it made me thrilling. Finally, today, the
post man delivered me the package and it took only a few seconds to open it for
the first listen. I suppose not everybody is familiar with 7th Reign
but since the very first Eidolon record I consider myself as a big fan of Brian
Soulard, which makes you understand my behavior.

The
very first 7th Reign was a very strong album and I remember I’ve
rated it very high a few years ago. Until today this CD makes its spins once and
a while; some tracks were unbelievable, mighty, mind blowing! It took a while
for the release of this new record but finally here it is. First thing that
amazes me is the fact that the band didn’t find a label. How on earth is this
possible? I know musical tastes are very difficult to discuss but I really
don’t understand the strategy of most record labels… Whatever
could be a good excuse for not giving this band a contract?! No arguments I suppose… This is FIRST CLASS METAL god damned
!!! The reason that I am mentioning this is because you all should try this band
out if you’re into first class Progressive Power Metal.

The
production is the first thing I’d like to talk you about! This is how a good
Metal album should sound in my opinion. Maybe for some it will sound a bit too
polished but if you consider the fact that 7th Reign delivers so many
progressive elements the band had no other way. This kind of music needs a clean
sound and it is almost impossible to create a sound!

If
we mention the song writing I can’t give any critics! Each song is well
balanced, good written, the arrangements are intelligent and the variation in
them are subtle yet exciting from the beginning until the end. To me the
stability between power, musical highlights, melody and emotional elements are
well chosen. It is especially the intelligence of the band that attracts me so
much! The sound can be described as being both expressive and melodic,
especially in the vocal and guitar sections as a result of a perfect harmonized
layering.

The
guitars? Astonishing as I mention the spectacular, often sophisticated riffs and
miraculous guitar solos. These solos are fast fingered, often shredding but
every time foreseen with so many emotions
that it really is a ‘piece of cake’ to recognize Marios Panayiotis as a
first class guitar player. The subtle balance between all instruments, including
keyboards, proves once more how academic this band is. As it should be in a
Metal band the guitar is the main instrument and the sound of it is amazing,
helping the band lift to the highest level.

And
the vocals? One word; wow! Brian Soulard is a top singer! You don’t believe
what I say? Well, just listen to the title track to be convinced! The intro, the
way he sings the refrains and choruses, his screams; all are impressive! Add the
fact that Brian knows how to combine his clear and beautiful vocal sound with a
wide range of emotional expressions! His talent is present
in every song! As I’ve said before it was Eidolon, still one of my favorite
bands, that made me discover Brian Soulard and once more he proves me right to
consider him as a great vocalist! How I am longing for a reunion concert of
Eidolon on one of those mighty German True Metal festivals!

None
of the songs are predictable and 7th Reign even created an own sound
thanks to the vocals and the typical arrangements. People who own the first
album will easily recognize the band and will have no trouble accepting
my statement that 7th Reign wrote a real masterpiece! Talking again
about the song “Fallen Empires” I need to say this is one of the best I
heard in many months; what a surprising, overwhelming and extraordinary track! 7th
Reign also creates a dark, often a ‘cold shivering’ atmosphere (thanks to
the remarkable and fantastic keyboards); “The Other Side” and the
instrumental “Requiem For The Dead” are perfect examples!

In
my local Metal shop I had a talk yesterday about the oversaturated Metal scène;
it’s a fact. Nevertheless it will be hard finding this CD in your stores and
that’s such a shame. This record deserves a special place in my collection,
that’s for sure! Oh yes, this review is ultimate positive and I don’t care
if you consider me objective or not! The beautiful cover and booklet is another
reason to buy this gem athttp://www.7threign.com
or http://www.myspace.com/7threign